Forecast: Perfect

Did you miss it? The weather last weekend was acting like it was early July all over again, but Market patrons came out in force anyway and partook in the following:

We also had a book signing with author Janine MacLachlan, who wrote about the Market in her book, Farmers Markets of the Heartland:

We're now past the halfway point of the Market season - hard to believe, isn't it? In some ways it feels like it should be later in the season (the heat has done a number on everyone, it seems), but in others it feels like we're just getting started with the food.

Speaking of food: 

1. Peach lovers need to know this: Saturday is the last day you'll see the folks from Eberlin's Orchard and Sager Farms (both are from way the heck down there in southern Illinois) and their peaches. The heat of the season got things started early, and that means they're ending a bit early, too. Other growers will continue to have peaches for a bit, but Sager Farm and the Eberlins are perennial Market favorites and have been for many years. We thought Market regulars might like to know.

2. Corn lovers need to know this: Kleiss Produce, Roth Countryside Produce, Schottman Sweet Corn, and possibly one or two other vendors will have sweet corn in varying amounts. Boil it, steam it, grill it, eat it raw - just get some. It's so good and we're lucky to have any at all because of the drought.

3. Tomato lovers need to know this: Heirloom tomatoes are coming on something fierce. Growers are carrying varieties in colors, shapes, and patterns we never thought possible. There's just nothing like a fresh heirloom tomato. Pick up a few different ones and have a taste test - the nuances are amazing!

4. Nothing says "summer is still in effect, dang it" like MELONS. Meyer Produce and Kleiss Produce both have a variety of melons, large & small - other growers might, too. 

5. Food trucks are in Row 5. This week we expect Fryer Tuck, Cracked, Burrito King, and the Moo Mobile. Community organizations are also in Row 5 - it's the new Market hangout!

Market programming in August:

- 8/11: The BloodMobile will be in the parking lot just west of the Market site from around 7:30-11:30

- 8/18: Sprouts at the Market is on the docket. This month's theme: The almighty tomato. Free, kids ages 3-8, 9-11 AM. Check in at the Sprouts tent near the NW entrance to the Market.

- 8/25: Art at the Market is happening! The I.D.E.A Store is in charge of the workshop, which is free and open to the public, from 8-noon. The Aduro Trio will provide music on Walnut Street from 9:30-11:30, and Einstein's Bagels will provide free iced coffee after 8 AM, while supplies last.

See you out there!